Kick Off: No World Cup for US | Dynamo, SKC open crucial home-and-home

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:

USMNT blow chance to reach 2018 World Cup

For the first time since 1986, the US national team have been relegated to spectator staus for a World Cup. Combined with stirring wins for Honduras and Panama, the USMNT's galling 2-1 defeat at Trinidad & Tobago on Tuesday night left them out of the next summer's big FIFA dance. We put together a chronological look at how it all went wrong at the three different sites. VIEW TIMELINE | FULL RECAP

Few players were spared failing grades in our US player ratings following the listless effort, with coach Bruce Arena's planning for the match drawing special condemnation. READ MORE

Along with their strangely lethargic performance, the USMNT's World Cup invite was dashed by the heroics of some MLS players who were key to the victories posted by Panama and Honduras. READ MORE

Big Western clash: SKC in Houston for makeup

The Houston Dynamo and guests Sporting KC will jockey for playoff position in Wednesday's big Western clash (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The game, postponed from August 26 due to Hurricane Harvey, will pit a home side trying to gain breathing room above the playoff line, while Peter Vermes' boys can move level on points with West-leading Vancouver with a win. PREVIEW

Star Impact: Piatti signed through 2019

We knew it was coming, but now it's official. The Montreal Impact have inked star man Ignacio Piatti to a contract extension that keeps him at Stade Saputo until the end of the 2019 season, with an option for the following campaign. READ MORE

RSL aiming to lock down Lennon, Savarino

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Real Salt Lake are in negotiations to acquire young loan standouts Brooks Lennon and Jefferson Savarino on permanent deals. READ MORE